Lighted safety apparel and method

ABSTRACT

A lighted apparel article is provided. It includes at least one lamp coupled to a power source. The power source includes a device operable to convert incident light into electrical energy that is coupled to an energy storage device that is rechargeable to store electrical energy for later use to power the lamp. A controller is coupled to the energy storage device and the lamp and is operable to selectively control the transmission of electrical energy from the storage device to the lamp.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to lighted safety apparel that can be worn by workers particularly in low light conditions to improve their visibility. The apparel utilizes a free standing power source that improves on environmental impact from use and efficiency.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of lighted safety equipment to improve visibility of a wearer, particularly highway and construction workers, during use is known. Early versions of such apparel utilized light reflective material that reflected incident light from lights such as headlights. Such equipment also included auxiliary lights carried by or attached to a worker and garments that have attached lights and a battery power source. U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,377,663, 6,834,395 and 6,267,482 disclose forms of safety vests which utilize lights powered by batteries. Other forms of lighted vests are offered and a common feature appears to be the use of a battery pack to power the lights. While some manufacturers claim a battery life of as much as 400 hours from a set of AA batteries there would be little actual light output because of the limits on energy stored in batteries. Further, once the batteries are used, they are disposed of which creates environmental concerns as well as expense. Early on, light bulbs were incandescent and inefficient in energy usage and had relatively short lives with burn out being unexpected requiring a change in bulbs to continue to provide light. More efficient lamps like LED's have become available and have relatively long lives and improved energy usage to light conversion efficiency. Low light output LED's claim an operating life of up to 100,000 hours.

The efficiency of LED's, a commonly used lamp in a luminaire, has increased dramatically since their invention. This is particularly true of low light output LED's. There is also energy consumed by the circuitry associated with an LED which has also improved. At least one manufacturer claims to have achieved as much as 400 lumens/watt light output although such an efficiency is not affordable for inexpensive light devices and such a lamp appears to be an experimental non-commercial device. One means of extending battery life (and not necessarily an improvement in energy efficiency) in a light device is to flash the lights on and off. While these advances help make safety equipment more viable for extended use without service or attention, there are still problems. One significant problem is that a lighting system with high enough light output for visibility in low light and in dark conditions, may not have a fully available energy source to reliably provide high light output over an anticipated extended use period.

A user of current safety apparel utilizing standard or even rechargeable batteries must either check the batteries before going to the work site to ensure the available energy is adequate or the user must be provided with a replacement set of batteries to ensure the lights can function throughout the use period. One way to manage this issue is to check the battery energy status prior to going to the work site and determine if there is enough energy to make it through a use period. Checking batteries for available energy may be difficult to do without some form of data to convert voltage to remaining use life. If there is not enough energy, which may be guess work, new batteries may be installed and the partially used batteries discarded or the user may be provided with additional new batteries to take along and change out. This though results in waste of batteries and other attendant issues.

Thus, there is a need for improved lighted safety apparel.

SUMMARY

The present invention involves the provision of an apparel article with improved visibility in low light and dark conditions. In one embodiment, the article is adapted for carriage by a human and has a panel with an illumination device associated therewith. A power source is operably coupled to the illumination device and operable to selectively provide electrical energy to the illumination device. The power source includes an energy storage device and a photovoltaic device coupled to the energy storage device to provide electrical energy thereto for storage. A controller is coupled to the power source and the illumination device and is operable to permit selective transfer of stored energy in the energy storage device to selectively illuminate the illumination device.

The present invention also involves the provision of a method of illuminating a person for safety. The method includes placing an article of apparel on a person, the article has at least one panel with at least one exposed illuminating device. Electrical energy is selectively supplied to the illuminating device from a rechargeable energy storage device. Prior to supplying the electrical energy to the illuminating device, electrical energy is supplied to and stored in the storage device. At least some of the supplied energy is energy converted from light to electrical energy by a photovoltaic device carried by the article.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a safety vest with one of the lamps shown exploded from the remainder of the vest.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the vest of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the vest of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the vest of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a simplified schematic of an electrical circuit.

Like numbers used throughout this application represent like or similar parts and/or construction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described presently preferred embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

The reference numeral 1 designates generally an apparel article having at least one exposed illumination device such as lamp 3 operable to selectively emit light. The lamp 3 is powered by an energy source (or sometimes referred to as a power source) designated generally 5 that is carried on the article 1 and is operable to convert light into electrical energy and store the energy for use. A controller 7 is coupled to the energy source 5 and is operable to control the transmission of energy from the power source 5 to the lamp 3 to put the lamp 3 in an illumination state to improve the visibility of the user in low light and dark conditions.

The article of apparel 1 is illustrated as a safety vest, although it is to be understood that the article could be of any suitable type, like a hat, jacket, shoes or the like. The article 1 has at least one panel 11 configured to be carried and exposed on a person or other animal. Preferably, the lamp 3 is mounted to the panel 11 although other positions of mounting may be provided on the article 1. In the illustrated vest 1, the vest has front and rear panels 11F, 11R respectively connected together by straps. The straps include a pair of shoulder straps 12 defining arm holes 14 and a neck opening 16. The illustrated panels 11 extend between and are secured to the straps 12. The vest 1 is also provided with side portions 18 that are positioned to extend around the lower portion of the upper torso of a wearer preferably in the waist area. Both the side portions 18 and the straps 12 may be adjustable in length. The side portions 18 are adjustable by having overlapping portions 20, 22 connected together with suitable mechanical fastening devices 24 such as hook and loop closure devices. The side portions 18 and the front and rear portions 25F, R, respectively, form a waist belt. The straps 12, side portions 18 and front and rear portions 25F, R can also be considered as panels for the mounting of the lamps 3.

In a preferred embodiment, the panels 11F, 11R, straps 12 and side portions 18 can be provided with light reflective material 27 suitably attached thereto. Such reflective material is available from 3M under the Scotchlite brand and is denoted as a retroreflective material. This material will reflect incident light and help increase exposure of a person particularly in dark conditions. The reflective material 27 may be secured to an underlying support material 26 such as a nylon webbing or knit material as by stitching. The edge portions 29 of the material 26 may be exposed for visibility in daylight. A high visibility color that is easily discernible from background colors is preferred for the edge portions, like a bright yellow or a blaze orange. The width of the straps 12 and the side portions 18 is preferably at least about 2 inches (5 cm). It is desirable to provide good visibility but also comfort for use allowing for effective breathability since reflective material 27 is typically not breathable.

There are preferably a plurality of lamps 3, with at least one lamp exposed on the front of the vest 1 and at least one lamp exposed on the rear of the vest. The lamps 3 are preferably mounted to the panels 11F, R and face outwardly to provide exposed light front and rear as desired. Lamps 3 may also be provided to project light to the sides as by being mounted on the side portions 18. As shown, there are a plurality of lamps 3 on each of the panels 11F, R. The lamps 3 may be arranged in any suitable pattern and may be in any suitable number providing at least about 10 lumens and preferably at least about 15 lumens of output total on each of the front and rear of the vest 1. It is also preferred that each of the lamps 3 provide at least about 3 lumens and preferably at least about 5 lumens each. As shown, there are three lamps 3 on each of the panels 11F, R. The lamps 3 are configured in a generally horizontal line and spaced apart at least about 2 inches for improved visibility. A preferred lamp is an LED because of its efficiency and long life. It is preferred that the illuminated color be a high visibility color not normally used in the surrounding areas. Such a color is high visibility yellow. The desired color may be provided by the lamp itself or an overlying color filter.

Wiring couples the lamps 3 to the power source 5 and controller 7. FIG. 5 illustrates the electrical schematic. The power source 5 includes an energy storage device 30 that can be recharged to increase the stored energy. The storage device 30 can include rechargeable batteries 31, a capacitor or any other suitable electrical energy storage device. As shown, two batteries 31 are included. They may nickel metal hydride or lithium ion batteries and are preferably of a type that does not exhibit memory. The device 30 also includes charging circuitry 33 that includes a resonator 34 to help prevent overcharging. The power source 5 also includes a device 37 operable to convert light energy into electrical energy to charge the batteries 31. In the illustrated structure, the conversion device 37 includes at least one photovoltaic device 39 (solar cell)coupled to the energy storage device 30 to provide energy thereto for storage in the batteries 31. It has been found that a solar cell system having an area of about 5 square inches is adequate to effect charging of the batteries in a period of light exposure while used or stored in the sun or even a lit room is adequate. As shown conversion device 37 includes a plurality of solar cells 39 mounted to the apparel article 1. In a preferred embodiment, the solar cells 39 are each mounted to a respective strap 12 adjacent the shoulder areas 41. Each solar cell can be on the order of 2-4 square inches of light absorbing area. The batteries 31 are contained in a housing 43 that can be mounted to the article 1 in any suitable manner such as in a pocket 44 with a closure 45. The pocket can be on the inside of a strap 12 or a side portion 18. Electrical conductors 48 connect the energy storage device 30 to the lamps 3. The conductors 48 may be housed in the straps 12 and panels 11 between the reflective material 27 and the support material 26. A quick disconnect 50 can be used to connect the conductors 48 to the energy storage device 30.

The controller 7 is coupled to the lamps 3 and the energy storage device 30 to control the transmission of energy to the lamps 3. A switch 53 can be used to control the selective supply of electrical energy from the energy storage device 30 to the lamps 3. The power source 5 may be provided with circuitry 55 to effect a flashing on/off operating mode of the lamps 3 or the lamps 3 may be operated in a constant on condition during use. A jack 59 may be provide to provide auxiliary energy to the power source 5 to effect charging of the batteries 31 if desired in the event light is not available for charging. The use of solar cells allows the batteries 31 to be charged during wearing of the apparel article 1 during daylight hours. If desired, a photo sensor 61 may be provided to prevent the lamps 3 from operating during a lighted time period. A timer or light color temperature sensor could be provided to prevent headlights or other night time lights from preventing operation of the lamps 3.

The present invention is better understood by a description of it operation. A person, such as a highway worker places an article of apparel 1 such as a safety vest on himself. The apparel, as pointed out, above can be any suitable article, such as a hat, shoes, etc. The article 1 may already have the power source 5 precharged or the power source may be charged during use in a lighted environment. Prior to supplying the electrical energy to the illuminating device 3, electrical energy is supplied to the batteries 31 for storage. At least some of the stored energy is energy converted from light to electrical energy by a photovoltaic device carried by the apparel article 1. The user may activate the controller 7 to supply electrical energy to the illuminating device 3 from the batteries 31 as deemed needed. The lamps 3 may be operated in a flashing mode or a constant on, as desired. Activation of the lamps 3 may also be automatic. The lamps 3 may operate in a sequence such as flashing left to right, up or down or some other pattern. The flashing may also be sequenced by a time pattern of non uniform times of on and off.

It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims. 

1. An apparel article for illuminating an area adjacent of a person to improve their visibility, the article including: at least one panel having at least one illumination device associated therewith and visible when illuminated, the panel being constructed for carriage and exposure on a human; a power source coupled to the illumination device to selectively provide electrical energy thereto, said power source including an electrical energy storage device and a photovoltaic device coupled to the energy storage device to provide energy thereto for storage; and a controller coupled to the power source and the illumination device and operable to permit selective transfer of stored energy in the energy storage device to selectively illuminate the illumination device.
 2. The article of claim 1 wherein the article having a front said panel and a rear said panel, said panels being part of a vest.
 3. The article of claim 2 wherein the energy storage device including a rechargeable battery.
 4. The article of claim 3 wherein the illumination device including at least one LED.
 5. The device of claim 4 wherein there being a plurality of said LED's mounted to both the front panel and the rear panel.
 6. The device of claim 5 wherein the controller being operable to effect flashing of the LED's.
 7. The device of claim 5 wherein the controller being operable to effect a steady illumination of the LED's.
 8. The device of claim 2 wherein the photovoltaic device being in the form of a flexible panel.
 9. The device of claim 8 wherein the photovoltaic device including a photovoltaic module having a plurality of photovoltaic cells.
 10. The device of claim 8 wherein the vest including a pair of arm straps with a neck opening therebetween and the straps, front panel and rear panel each having a plurality of illuminating devices thereon.
 11. The device of claim 10 wherein there being at least one photovoltaic device mounted on an outside surface of the rear panel.
 12. A method of illuminating a person for safety, the method including: placing an article of apparel on a person, the article having at least one panel with at least one exposed illuminating device; supplying electrical energy to the illuminating device from an energy storage device; prior to supplying the electrical energy to the illuminating device, supplying electrical energy to the storage device and storing supplied energy in the storage device, the supplied energy being energy converted from light to electrical energy by a photovoltaic device carried by the article.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein the illuminated device being illuminated in a flashing manner.
 14. The method of claim 12 wherein there being a plurality of illuminating devices exposed for illumination.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein the article being a vest with a front panel and a rear panel, each having a plurality of illuminating devices that are selectively illuminated.
 16. The method of claim 12 wherein the supplying of energy occurring during wearing of the article by the person.
 17. The method of claim 12 wherein the supplying of energy occurring while the article is not on a person. 